JUSTIN Pianta won his first cycling race in a couple of decades at Goddard’s Lane on Sunday morning.
The Kootingal builder won the Tamworth Cycling Club’s C Grade Criterium at the first meeting of 2013 for the local club.
“I only started back riding to help sprint training with my son Jack (16),” the 48-year-old Justin Pianta said.
“And my other son, young Douglas (14), is just starting.
“He’ll be the fourth generation of Pianta brothers to race.
“My grandfather (Joseph) was an Australian road racing champion and his brother (Albert) an Australian track champion.
“That was back in 1910.
“But I’ve been off the bike for 25 years, so good to win again.
“I’ve been back riding for about five months.
“I just started training with the boys to help them.”
As a young man he rode in Victoria and Queensland.
Originally from Echuca on the Murray, he was back there at Christmas and was able to take his sons to Shepparton for some of the Australian road racing championships.
Sport is a big part of the Pianta household, with Justin’s daughter, Kate, also an outstanding young athlete.
The 12-year-old sprinter is also in training for big 100m, 200m and long jump events at major State meets.
“Doug’s pretty good too and medalled (bronze) in a State triple jump,” Justin said.
“He wants to have a go at riding now.
“But it’s been a good day here for us.
“Jack’s riding well in the A grade,” he said as the A and B Grade criterium reached its concluding stages.
He was cheering his red-headed son on to hold on and was delighted when he finished second to the talented Lewis Chapman.
“It’s all a bit of fun,” Justin said.
“I had all the Christmas cheer and I’m enjoying the riding.
“The club (Tamworth Cycling Club) encourages people to get out and ride.
“It’s a good, safe environment,” he said.
“They have a good club atmosphere and encourage all the juniors.
“They have been very supportive of the kids.”
